Last week, I published the Retirement Planning greatest hits of 2013, but as is my custom every year, this week I present the annual index of all of my past columns that are still relevant -- dating back to the first one, published in January 2006. My how time flies! I’ve incorporated several 2013 columns into the list and deleted any columns that have either been updated or are no longer accurate due to changes in the law.

I have to tell you that writing this column every week for eight years has never been a chore for me. (I’ve even been known to write the column from the beach while on vacation). It brings me joy when I hear from readers that my column has helped them prepare for retirement. And writing the column also has been rewarding from the standpoint of allowing me the opportunity to delve deeper into subjects that are mystifying to me or new to federal law. I’m not sure why federal retirement has to be so complicated, but the fact that it is has created a cottage industry for people like me. So thanks, Congress!

This year, I moved the topic of Retirement Processing to the top of the list, because there are a lot of new retirees entering the system. I also realize that I wrote a lot of columns last year on the subject of Deciding to Retire, so I must be hearing about that a lot from federal employees. I also wrote a fair number of columns on the Thrift Savings Plan, because this benefit is becoming a more important part of the overall retirement picture.

As always, I hope all of my columns, especially the ones highlighted below, help you become better equipped to prepare for a meaningful and comfortable life after retirement.

Tammy Flanagan is the senior benefits director for the National Institute of Transition Planning Inc., which conducts federal retirement planning workshops and seminars. She has spent 25 years helping federal employees take charge of their retirement by understanding their benefits.

For more retirement planning help, tune in to "For Your Benefit," presented by the National Institute of Transition Planning Inc. live on Federal News Radio on Mondays at 10 a.m. ET on WFED AM 1500 in the Washington-metro area. Archived shows are available on NITPInc.com.

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